Japanese Haikus World Literature
What the heck is a haiku? Haiku is pronounced like HA-KOO. Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry that started in the 1640’s with a poet named, Matsuo Basho.
Characteristics of Haiku An English-language haiku typically consists of 17 syllables. The format is composed of 3 lines. Each line follows the sequence pattern of 5-7-5 syllables. Two simple subjects are often placed in juxtaposition. These 2 images are usually separated by punctuation. Haiku often contains a seasonal reference. Poems are traditionally about nature or the natural world.
The famous and the serious Over the wintry forest, winds howl in rage with no leaves to blow. - Soseki
The Famous and The Serious The wren Earns his living Noiselessly. - Issa
The Famous and The Serious From time to time The clouds give rest To the moon-beholders. - Bashō
The Famous and The Serious Over-ripe sushi, The Master Is full of regret. - Buson
The Famous and The Serious Consider me As one who loved poetry And persimmons. - Shiki
The Famous and the Serious I have looked at you In millions of ways and I Have loved you in each. - Unknown
The Famous and The Serious In the cicada's cry No sign can foretell How soon it must die. - Bashō
The Famous and The Serious I was a puzzle Hiding in a dusty box Missing your pieces. - Unknown
The Famous and The Serious Blowing from the west Fallen leaves gather In the east. - Buson
The Famous and The Serious My life, - How much more of it remains? The night is brief. - Shiki
The Famous and The Serious An old silent pond... A frog jumps into the pond, Splash! Silence again. - Bashō
The famous and the serious I kill an ant and realize my three children have been watching. - Kato Shuson
The famous and the serious In the twilight rain these brilliant-hued hibiscus - A lovely sunset - Bashō
The famous and the serious Don’t weep, insects – Lovers, stars themselves, Must part. - Issa
The Funny and The Creative How much can I fit Into a haiku format Oh no I’m out of
The Funny and The Creative Haikus are easy Sometimes they don’t make sense Refrigerator
The Funny and The Creative I wake, reluctant; Too cold to get out of bed But I need to pee.
The Funny and The Creative Retired teacher Once told me puns weren’t funny Complete lack of class
The Funny and The Creative Vienna sausage “Unhealthiness in a can” My doctor said so
The Funny and The Creative Five syllables here. Seven syllables there. Are you happy now?
The Funny and The Creative I see you driving Round town with the girl I love And I’m like haiku
When you think you are complete, review your work. Now Let’s write Our own. 2nd Block – 3 Haikus You must write three haikus total. One of them should be about nature. One of them should be funny. One of them should be serious (topic is your choice). 4th Block – 4 Haikus You must write four haikus total. Two of them should be serious. With at least one about nature Two of them should be funny. When you think you are complete, review your work. Make sure your haikus fit the 5-7-5 syllable pattern. Then have a teacher approve them.